“Humans love to wonder, and that is the seed of science.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
8th Grade
2012 - 2013 WELCOME !! -Welcome to 8th Grade Science, Wizards! You’re almost in high school! We only have one year left to get you ready to be successful in high school-level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses. The word “science” itself comes from the Latin word scientia which means "knowledge.” My goal this year is for you to leave my class with the knowledge and skills needed for you to be successful in high school AND college! Be prepared to read and write, as well as integrate and apply skills you’ve learned in other classes into Science!
BIG GOALS 100% of students will pass the Science STAAR test. 100% of students will achieve MASTERY (85%) on every quiz within the F1RST two attempts. 100% of students will SUCCESSFULLY conduct scientific investigation in laboratory experiments. 100% of students will read two Science articles per week and answer accompanying Science questions. 100% of students will complete 5 STAARbased Science questions / week and answer it with AT LEAST 85% mastery!
UNITS 1
Classifying Matter
2
Reactions between Matter (Chemical & Nuclear Reactions)
3
Interactions of Matter & Energy (Physics)
4
Beyond our Solar System
5
Interactions of the Sun, Earth, & Moon
6 Earth’s Changing Surface 7 Interactions of Life 8 Kingdom Protista (Pre-Biology)
GRADING Projects
20%
Mastery Quizzes (MVP’s)
60%
Classwork/Homework
10%
Accuracy Participation
10%
LABS We will be conducting at least two labs during every 6 week grading period. Everyone is required to actively participate in the lab assignment. You will receive further lab procedures and expectations before our first lab.